Delaware On Main is the umbrella organization for Delaware’s many active main street communities.  Operating under the Division of Small Business, it is the state’s representative within the national Main Street America™ Coordinating Program.

Delaware on Main is part of a powerful, grassroots network Coordinating Programs and over 1600 neighborhoods and communities across the country committed to creating to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.  The goal is to provide Delaware’s historic downtowns, communities, and small businesses with tools to revitalize their commercial districts, increase entrepreneurism and innovation, and enhance quality of life. 

Delaware’s work aligns with the four key areas that the national Main Street program has used as a guiding framework for over 35 years: Economic Vitality, Promotion, Design, and Organization. 

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Delaware On Main program Coordinator: Anastasia Jackson. Email her at: Anastasia.Jackson@delaware.gov.

Based on their membership categories, a Main Street, or downtown, program can either be Accredited, an Affiliate, or not Designated.  Here is the list of Delaware’s Main Street organizations by category:

Accredited
Downtown Dover Partnership
Rehoboth Beach Main Street
Downtown Milford Inc
Downtown Wilmington Visions

Affiliate
Downtown Newark Partnership
Delaware City Main Street
Cornerstone West CDC
Middletown Main Street
Smyrna Downtown
Seaford Tomorrow
Harrington Main Street

Members not designated
Milton Main Street
Town of Bridgeville
Town of Fenwick Island
Main Street Laurel
Town of Millsboro
New Castle Community Partnership, INC
Old Brandywine Village Inc.

In 2018 the seven cities or towns that are accredited or affiliate members of the program accomplished the following:

• Created 154 new full-time jobs (net)
• Created 17 new businesses (net)
• Completed 16 renovation projects
• Contributed 5,614 volunteer hours
• Attracted more than $2.7 million in private investment

Note: Data is for Main Street programs in Delaware City, Dover, Middletown, Milford, Newark, Rehoboth Beach and Wilmington.